An InGaAs Focal Plane Array and Camera for Shortwave Hyperspectral Imaging from UAVs

Sensors Unlimited will develop and deliver a hyperspectral imaging camera for the shortwave infrared wavelength band (SWIR) for use on unmanned aerial vehicles. The imager will be based upon Sensors Unlimited's 320 x 256 element snapshot focal plane array and camera, and will utilize a monolithic Fabry-Perot filter technology for spectral tunability. We will pursue single pixel designs in Phase I based upon two different technologies; monolithic InP/Air cavities with an InGaAs focal plane array, as well as a flip-chip bonded Si based microelectromechanical (MEMs) Fabry-Perot tunable filter. Both of these technologies will enable focal planes in the SWIR with 100 nm of tunability. The snapshot exposure architecture of the focal plane will enable each captured frame to contain wavelength specific imagery. In phase I, Sensors Unlimited will examine the above tunable filter architectures and fabricate a single pixel imager using the chosen technology. Pixel responsivity, spectral response, sensitivity, and tunability will be investigated. In Phase II, the filter and focal plane technologies will be applied to a full 320x256 camera, and will culminate with the delivery of a tunable, hyperspectral imaging camera at the end of Phase II.